Crowd cheers as house demolition clears site for 'Extreme Makeover'

Sunday

Feb 24, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 24, 2008 at 12:04 PM

The gaping maws of three excavators hung over 13 Elm Court, waiting for a signal. The crowd behind the machines, which had been noisy all day, hushed as the excavators’ enormous claws hummed with almost nervous anticipation.

Meghan B. Kelly

The gaping maws of three excavators hung over 13 Elm Court, waiting for a signal. The crowd behind the machines, which had been noisy all day, hushed as the excavators’ enormous claws hummed with almost nervous anticipation.

“GO!” yelled a crewman. The excavators crashed into the house, caving the roof in and demolishing the walls as the crowd gasped and then cheered. Within about 30 seconds, the home of Paul and Renee Giunta and their three children, Dylan, Cameron and Brianna, was destroyed.

“There goes Brianna’s room!” cried one spectator.

Local contractors and the crew from ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will now have just 106 hours to build a new home for the Giuntas, one where Paul, 38, can finally join his family.

Paul was severely injured in a 2006 car crash while he was on his way to visit Renee in the hospital after she gave birth to Brianna. Because of his injuries, he uses a wheelchair. The Giuntas’ three-bedroom ranch was not handicapped accessible, so Paul lived with his parents in a Marlborough, Mass., retirement community.

Thanks to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the entire Giunta family will finally be able to live together under one roof. Brianna and her father have never lived in the same house before.

Earlier in the day, representatives from the Stow and Sudbury Minutemen led a march of hard-hat-wearing volunteer contractors bedecked in bright blue T-shirts. Show host Ty Pennington got into the spirit of ’76, wearing a black cloak and tri-corner hat.

After marching up the street, the crowd gathered in front of No. 13, cheering and waving at the cameras, chanting, “Bring Paul home!” Despite the brisk, chilly weather and the hours of standing around, waiting for camera angles and shots to be set, the crowd remained upbeat and cheerful, laughing at Pennington’s jokes and cheering loudly whenever they were asked.

The Minutemen officially kicked off the house’s demolition, firing their Revolutionary-era muskets at the house. Although they shot blanks, the noise coming from the muskets was surprisingly loud. Thanks to some Hollywood special effects, the musket fire was accompanied by some minor pyrotechnics that sparked a few flames and shattered some window glass inside the house.

Members of Paul’s and Renee’s families spoke to reporters before the excavators began digging, saying they were thrilled to see the town come out to help.

“(Maynard) has wrapped their arms around us,” said Paul’s brother, Chris.

Gail Morgan, Renee’s sister, said the moment was slightly bittersweet — she and Renee grew up in this house and seeing it destroyed would be hard. But it’s worth it, she said, for her sister’s family to live together under one roof.

“(Paul) is an amazing man,” she said. “He knows he has a long road (ahead) but he’s determined to do it.”

Dawn Lindfors, a childhood friend and former neighbor of Renee’s, stood outside No. 14 with her mother and brother to watch the activity across the street. She said she was overwhelmed but happy for her friend.

“It couldn’t happen to a better family,” she said.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.